Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 45 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Agriculture to research and analyze the provisions of the federal Plant Protection Act and to make certain determinations that will assist the State in controlling alien species.

Your Committee received testimony in favor of this measure from the Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Audubon Society, and Hawaii Environmental Health Association. Opposing testimony was received from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that unauthorized introduction of alien animal and plant species is a problem in the State. Many alien animal and plant species, once introduced, destroy watersheds, spoil agricultural lands, and threaten the viability of livestock and crops. The federal Plant Protection Act attempts to address this problem at the federal level. However, your Committee believes that the State of Hawaii requires special consideration. This measure ensures that the Department of Agriculture assesses the ramifications the Plant Protection Act has on the State and encourages the development of solutions to the State's alien animal and plant species problem.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 45 and recommends its adoption.